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Anthropology

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

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Earn Your Anthropology Degree at UW

The anthropology program at UW provides both general anthropological education and the opportunity to specialize in the four main subfields: archaeology, biological, cultural and linguistic anthropology.

UW offers a B.A. with a major in anthropology and a minor in general anthropology. Field schools and numerous research opportunities allow students the chance to learn in a hands-on environment. Labs for all four subfields can be found on campus.

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology Department

About the B.A. in Anthropology Program

Anthropology, the study of humanity, has provided us with invaluable insight into our species. Through it, we’re able to understand how our biology, cultures, behaviors and societies have evolved. Anthropology grounds our present existence with fascinating evidence that brings meaning to our time on Earth.

The UW anthropology faculty create an enriching, experiential learning environment that connects students to this humanity. Their global experience brings a stunning breadth of insight to our rigorous academic program.

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Students at Field School

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What can you do with an Anthropology bachelor's degree?

Because anthropology is a discipline with great breadth, our graduates are present in broad sectors of the economy. Many of our UW alumni work in cultural resource management, higher education, government, nonprofits and many other professions.

Here are some common careers anthropology majors move into:

Anthropology Careers

  • Forensic anthropology
  • Natural resource management
  • Crime scene investigation 
  • Educator
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Ethnic studies
  • Linguistics
  • Human resources
  • Medical anthropology
  • Pathology
  • Historic preservation
  • Archaeology

 

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Here are just a few of the places where University of Wyoming anthropology alumni are working:

  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
  • Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation office
  • PaleoResearch Institute
  • Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
  • Bureau of Land Management

Graduate schools UW anthropology alumni have attended:

  • Harvard University
  • Cornell University
  • The George Washington University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Arizona
  • University of New Hampshire
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of New Mexico
  • Colorado State University
  • New York University
  • Binghamton University
  • Syracuse University
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Anthropology Program Highlights

An anthropology degree from UW is an exciting pursuit at a university that couldn’t be located in a better place. The state of Wyoming offers numerous opportunities to observe the history of humanity. Historical, ancient sites are located throughout the state making the academic environment perfect for this hands-on major. Aside from its location, UW has been graced with passionate faculty that curates an exceptional academic environment for our students. Here are some of the highlights that make us stand apart.

Award-Winning Faculty

The UW anthropology faculty has global experience in the field. They’ve assisted on digs, led research initiatives and won awards for distinguished anthropological work in their field. For example, George C. Frison, one of the anthropology department founders, remains the only member of the University of Wyoming faculty to have been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.

University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository (UWAR)

Our department houses the University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository (UWAR) which stores most of the archaeological materials from across the state. The Anthropology Museum celebrates human evolution and covers global colonization. Museum internships are available for interested students.

Unique Courses for Any Student

Given the diversity of thought, subject matter and approaches inherent to anthropology, our course offerings provide students with a broad education related to all things human. If you’re interested in human evolution, you can take our hominin evolution and Old World archaeology courses. Interested in criminal matters? Take forensic anthropology and learn about the analysis of human remains from crime scenes. The options are numerous and the insight is endless.

Exciting Field Work

Anthropology is a very hands-on discipline. You’ll work frequently with artifacts and examine data from long ago throughout your career. UW offers these unique opportunities to students through the various archaeological field schools throughout the state. Students can participate in actual archaeological surveys and excavation projects. Plus, labs for all four subfields can be found in the building.

I highly recommend UW Anthropology to any prospective students looking to gain a well-rounded anthropological education, especially those with a focus on Prehistoric North American Plains archaeology. With the department housing both UWAR and WYCRO, students have access and unique opportunities for research and career training.

Jessica Starks, M.A. '15
Site Records Supervisor

Related Programs

Are you considering a job or career in anthropology? These UW programs might also be of interest: 

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Anthropology Department

12th and Lewis Street

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-5136

Email: anthro@uwyo.edu